Investigation of the Inhibitory Effect of Some Mites on Fungal Growth Against Leaf Spot Disease (Alternaria alternata (Fr) Keissler) Under In Vitro Conditions

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted in vitro to determine the antifungal activity of acaricides containing the active ingredients Abamectin and Etoxazole against leaf spot disease (Alternaria alternata (Fr) Keissler) in vegetables. Acaricides used against A. alternata were added to the culture medium at three different concentrations, determined according to the recommended doses for the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch). The high dose was 50% higher than the recommended dose, the low dose was 50% lower than the recommended dose, and the recommended dose was 50% lower. The effect on the growth of the pathogen's colony and mycelium was as follows: At the high dose, Abamectin inhibited colony and mycelium growth by 40.18%, Etoxazole by 24.04%, and Abamectin-Etoxazole by 31.93%. At the dosage used, Abamectin inhibited colony and mycelial growth by 38.63%, Etoxazole by 16.81%, and Abamectin-Etoxazole by 15.56%. The effect of Abamectin on the spore count of the pathogen was as follows: At high doses, Abamectin inhibited colony and mycelial growth by 36.86%, Etoxazole by 22.15%, and Abamectin-Etoxazole by 39.06%. At the dosage used, Abamectin suppressed spore count and growth by 34.94%, Etoxazole by 17.50%, and Abamectin-Etoxazole by 35.21%. Based on these results, Abamectin, both alone and in combination with Abamectin-Etoxazole, was found to be a promising chemical control agent against A. alternata.